The future of a 'portrait bench' which memorialises a local man widely regarded as the inventor of the modern bicycle remains in doubt, due to HS2 works.

Sat near national cycleway 52 on the edge of Kenilworth, the bench pictures Edward Langley Fardon - who is said to have tested the first all-metal bicycle with rubber tyres in Kenilworth in 1869.

But it has been left "boxed up" for months due to the works to the HS2 north of Kenilworth.

Installed in 2013, the bench also memorialises fellow bicycle pioneer John Kemp Starley (1854-1901) of Coventry as well as Helen Martin (1907-1988) the former 'unknown benefactor' to the University of Warwick who, in 1963 set up a trust to support the then new establishment.

The bench was originally installed along the cycle route between Kenilworth and the university.

The bench has been left 'boxed up' (image supplied)

But one local resident who spoke to Nub News said it was "a terrible shame" the bench is now covered in a huge wooden box, and surrounded by metal railings, out of sight of walkers.

They also said they "worried what will happen to it" with the HS2 line set to pass right next to the bench's current spot.

Having been approached by Kenilworth Nub News, HS2 said it will work with Sustrans - the charity which maintains the country's cycle network - to find a new spot for the bench.

The future location of the bench is yet to be decided (image supplied)

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: "Work is currently underway to take the high-speed line through the outskirts of Kenilworth and onto Birmingham.

"This includes plans to realign the W164 public right of way, which currently crosses the HS2 line of route.

"A commemorative bench owned by Sustrans and located along a closed section of the existing W164 route has been temporarily covered as a protective measure.

"In agreement with Sustrans and the local landowner, the bench will be relocated to a more appropriate setting near to its original location, with timescales yet to be confirmed."

 A plaque to Fardon was unveiled in Stoneleigh earlier this month.